What is quantum physics?
Dr Damián Galante said: "Quantum physics is the framework in which we describe physical interactions at the microscopic scale. It is used to explain a variety of microscopic phenomena, ranging from fundamental particles to the behaviour of materials and light."
What are the origins/history of quantum discoveries?
"Quantum theory began in the early 20th century when physicists explored links between heat, electricity, and magnetism. Planck discovered that reconciling differences between these required assuming energy exists in discrete packets, which he called 'quanta', thus coining the term quantum physics, derived from the Latin plural of 'quanta'."
What does quantum entanglement mean?
"Quantum entanglement is a property of groups of quantum particles. When particles are entangled, the state of a single particle in the group cannot be described independently of the others, no matter how far apart the particles are from each other. Einstein famously characterised entanglement as 'a spooky action at a distance'."
What is quantum computing?
"Quantum computers use this property of entanglement as a resource to do computations. Compared to the standard binary bit, quantum theory allows us to create qubits, that in principle, when entangled with each other, can carry more information than just ones and zeros."
What are the benefits of quantum computers?
"Quantum computers could in theory perform certain calculations exponentially faster than a classical computer. This would not only allow to do computations that would take too long on classical computers, but can also have broad applications ranging from data encryption to material science. The experimental realisation of such computers is still under development at the moment."
How is quantum theory shaping our understanding of the universe/black holes/space?
"Gravitational physics is mostly described by the theory of General Relativity, that is not a quantum theory. However, in extreme circumstances, like the beginning of our Universe, or the interior of black holes, matter can concentrate in tiny regions of spacetime, making quantum physics essential. Understanding how to reconcile both theories is one of the greatest challenges in theoretical physics."